Tangier and Lower Shore Fishing Reports

Tangier, Pocomoke, and Lower Shore Fishing Report, August 8 Update: 

The cooler weather created better fishing conditions for Chesapeake Bay anglers, especially in the Tangier region. The expansive grass flats offer excellent habitat for several species including striped bass, speckled trout, and red drum, but when water temperatures surpass the mid-80s, fish often vacate the shallows to move into deeper water. Water temperatures spiked into the 90s in July, and fishing success dropped off significantly. We are seeing the shallows come back to life as water temperatures have receded back into the upper 70s and low 80s. Early morning topwater fishing has been good over the grass flats and near shoreline points. Speckled trout have been very eager to hit Lonely Angler topwater lures, and anglers fishing with Captain C.L. Marshall of Tangier Sound Charters are experiencing their affinity to hit those lures firsthand.

Bluefish have been the open water highlight as blitzes are popping up periodically each week. These fish have ranged from two pounds up to 10 pounds. The Tackle Box reports that trollers have been finding an excellent bluefish bite in the waters around the Target Ship. They have taken a liking for both metal spoons and rubber hoses. Blues are also hanging around the various wrecks around tangier Island. They have been willing to hit topwater plugs and rap-10’s. Cobia have been scarce in Maryland waters, but the fishing has been better farther south along the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Sight fishing boats have been able to spot fish cruising on the surface, but getting them to bite has been more challenging. Schools of bull red drum are also marauding around the Eastern Shore. Angler fishing with fresh cut or live croaker have been reeling some in around the Cape Charles area. The Kiptopeke concrete ships will also be a hotspot for bull reds in late summer and early fall.